Tent camping opportunities around Danbury, New Hampshire provide access to both established sites and rustic backcountry experiences. The region sits within the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee tourism area with elevations ranging from 750 to 3,000 feet, creating varied camping microclimates. Several campgrounds operate seasonally from late spring through mid-fall, with closures typically beginning after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Hiking from camp to summit views: At Cardigan Campsites, visitors can access Mount Cardigan trails directly. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes Madison G.
Rock climbing access: The AAC Rattlesnake Campground serves as a dedicated base for climbers. "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers," reports Les R.
Water activities: Paddling opportunities exist at sites like Squam Lakes Association, where campers can access water-based recreation. "Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only," explains Shari G. These sites require advance reservations opening February 15th annually.
What campers like
Private wooded tent sites: Baker Rocks receives consistent praise for site layout. "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight," notes Justin P., who appreciated the thoughtful design of individual sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers matter to campers in this region. "The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water," explains one Baker Rocks visitor who appreciated the modern amenities despite the rustic setting.
Easy trail access: Direct connections to hiking networks rank highly with campers. "The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways," writes Shari G. about the Squam Lakes region, highlighting the connectivity to outdoor activities.
What you should know
Water availability varies: During drought periods, backcountry water sources become unreliable. A camper at Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter noted: "There can be seasonal water sources but water is not guaranteed." Always carry extra water or reliable filtration when tent camping in this area.
Reservation requirements: Most established tent sites require advance booking. Squam Lakes Association campsites "are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area."
Fire restrictions vary: Some locations permit fires while others strictly prohibit them. Cardigan Campsites has a no-fire policy, while Baker Rocks provides fire rings and even includes a free bundle of firewood with your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Glamping options for easier transitions: Lost Boys Hideout offers a middle ground between tent camping and cabins. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" reports Steve K., noting recent upgrades that make the experience more family-friendly.
Spacious sites accommodate larger groups: Baker Rocks features roomier camping areas. "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river," reports April W.
Animal encounters add appeal: Some campgrounds incorporate small animal interactions that children enjoy. April W. notes that Baker Rocks has "animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," providing an additional activity for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: The best tent camping near Danbury, New Hampshire generally lacks RV hookups. Mount Sunapee State Park, located approximately 25 miles from Danbury, represents one of the few options with electric, water, and sewer hookups in the region.
Small rig restrictions: Most campgrounds near Danbury cannot accommodate larger RVs. None of the sites reviewed were classified as big-rig friendly, limiting options for travelers with larger recreational vehicles.
Seasonal closures affect access: Area campgrounds typically operate May through October, with Mount Sunapee State Park specifically open May 26 to October 8, requiring RVers to plan accordingly for shoulder season travel.
